Last updated
By Ron McMinn, Esq. | Official sources rechecked November 9, 2026.
Read this article in Español.
Our only office is in Tustin, so this one is close to home. If a City of Tustin vehicle, a broken sidewalk, a City tree, or another City operation hurt you or damaged your property, California law usually requires a written government claim before any lawsuit. Here is what the City’s City Claims page says, and how the statewide deadlines apply.
Step 1: confirm the City of Tustin is the right agency
Not every street or bus in Tustin belongs to the City. An OCTA bus or bus stop injury goes to OCTA (see how to file a claim against OCTA). A freeway or State highway generally points to Caltrans. Some nearby neighborhoods are unincorporated County land. If more than one public entity may be involved, a separate claim to each one can be required.
Step 2: watch the six-month deadline
Government Code section 911.2 says a claim for death or for injury to a person or to personal property must be presented no later than six months after the cause of action accrues. Most other claims get one year. Accrual is a legal question, so do not guess at the start date.
Step 3: file the Claim for Damages
The City’s City Claims page says claims against the City may be made by completing a Claim for Damages form linked from that page. The City asks claimants to use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari when submitting the form.
For questions, the City directs people to the City Clerk’s Office at (714) 573-3027 or cityclerk@tustinca.org. City Hall is at 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780, main phone 714-573-3000, open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State law also allows paper presentation. Government Code section 915 says a claim to a local public entity may be delivered to its clerk, secretary, or auditor, or mailed to the clerk, secretary, auditor, or governing body at its principal office. Because the City’s page focuses on the online form, call the City Clerk to confirm how it handles paper claims, and keep proof of whatever route you use.
What a good claim includes
Government Code section 910 lists what a claim must show, including the claimant’s name and address, where notices should be sent, the date, place, and circumstances of the incident, a general description of the injury or loss, the names of any public employees involved if known, and information about the amount claimed.
Attach what supports your claim: photos of the location, repair estimates, medical bills, and any report numbers. Save a copy of the submitted claim and any confirmation.
After you file
Under Government Code section 945.4, you generally cannot sue the City for money damages until a required claim has been presented and acted on, or deemed rejected. Section 912.4 generally gives the public entity 45 days to act. If it does not act, the claim is deemed rejected on the last day of that period.
After written notice of rejection, Government Code section 945.6 generally gives you six months from the date the notice is personally delivered or mailed to file suit. If no written notice is given, a two-year period from accrual can apply instead.
Missed the six-month window? Government Code section 911.4 allows a written application for leave to present a late claim within a reasonable time, not more than one year after accrual, with the proposed claim attached. Relief is not automatic. See our guide on a missed six-month government claim deadline.
Our dangerous road and sidewalk guide explains how public property claims work, and our city tree claim article covers a nearby Orange County example.
Talk to us
If you were hurt in California and a city, county, transit agency, or the State may be involved, Win Attorneys handles government claims and personal injury matters statewide from our Tustin office. Learn more on our Tustin page. We speak Spanish and Vietnamese.
Call us at (562) 296-5380, reach us through our contact page, or start online with our intake form. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a claim against the City of Tustin?
The City’s City Claims page says claims may be made by completing its online Claim for Damages form, and recommends Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Questions go to the City Clerk’s Office at (714) 573-3027 or cityclerk@tustinca.org.
What is the deadline for an injury claim against Tustin?
Under Government Code section 911.2, a claim for death or injury to a person or personal property must be presented no later than six months after accrual. Most other claims have one year.
Where is Tustin City Hall?
The City lists City Hall at 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780, main phone 714-573-3000. Posted hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Can I deliver a paper claim instead of using the online form?
Government Code section 915 allows a claim to a local public entity to be delivered to its clerk, secretary, or auditor, or mailed to the clerk, secretary, auditor, or governing body at its principal office. The City’s page describes the online form, so call the City Clerk to confirm how it handles paper claims before you rely on that route.
Is Tustin responsible for every road in Tustin?
No. A freeway or State highway generally points to Caltrans, an OCTA bus or bus stop points to OCTA, and some areas are unincorporated County land. Identifying the right public entity early matters because each claim has its own deadline.